Monday, February 9, 2009

Winner and Awards

Copic Certification Mardi Gras GiveawayWe had a number of people submit their names for the New Orleans Copic Certification contest.

The Grand Prize Winner is:

Ashley!!Congratulations! I'll see you in a couple weeks at that class.

The Two Second Place winners areFrankPeggy

Way to go! I'll see each of you in a short week and a half.

Blog AwardsAnd now for blog awards... I want to thank everyone who sends awards my way for blogging. It is a real honor to think that I am one of your favorite blogs, and I hope I can continue to produce high-quality tutorials and step-by-step directions. My most recent award was from Catherine at PaperGarden Projects, so thank you Catherine and thank you from all the other people who I have missed awards from (I'm really bad at following up on these).

However, instead of passing a blog award onto other blogs that I love I wanted to do something special. To this end I am creating a new award, and I think many of you who have blogs can relate. My problem is that I have lots of subscribers who read the blog but hardly anyone leaves comments. I have a few loyal commenters and the rest of the world is silent (granted, you have to sign in to leave a comment, which is changing soon...). I really have no idea if you find a tutorial useful unless you leave me a comment!

I am not a great person for commenting either, except on the blogs of my friends at church, I really don't have enough time in the day. To this end, I created this award:

If you have a blog and have the same problem that I do, please take this award and pass it on to your loyal commenters. Show them how much you appreciate their feedback. These are the ones who tell you if they find your post useful or not, who take you with them on their creative journies, who read each day and let you know that they did.

Thank you to all my readers, but today, I'm honoring the Commenters. Each of you should pass this award on to your loyal commenters to let them know how much you care.

Some of my loyal commenting followers include (this is NOT all!):Nicole, Anderson Arts Online (are you happy I have rubber stamps now??)Nancy, Inkcicles (the icicles post was just for you! great to finally meet and share hugs)Trena in Naperville, Stamping, Painting and Coloring Make me Giggle (summer CHA was fun, Thank you for coming to my class)Broni Waterchild 12, Splashes of Watercolor (we had a fun certification group last fall!)Sandy Knecht (you have been leaving comments right from the beginning, Thank you!)

Again, thank you for your support. Sorry about the lack of posts, I am keeping my posting light right now because soon things will be moving...don't worry, it's for the good!

21 comments:

Wow, thank you so much, Marianne! I have been lacking in my posts until lately, that darn Christmas season keeps me hopping with my giftline! I am glad things slow down, but then Valentine's Day is right behind, followed by Easter (baptism, confirmation gifts) and then Mother's Day of course!!

But hopefully I am getting better about 'showing my love with comments'!! And YES I AM glad you finally put yourself in the stamp industry! I would really love to see some realistic images, too! You are a fabulous illustrator, so adding some scenery, greenery would be grand!!

I'm bad, I admit it...I read your blog daily (am a bit sad when there is not a new entry, I know you are busy) and I rarely leave a comment. SO, just to let you know, I am ever so grateful for your tutorials!! I have learned so much, and now I am registered for the hands-on class.

Another bad one here. I read you through Google Reader, and I LOVE your posts! I recently got sucked in to the Copic frenzy, and I do lurk and learn.

I, too, have way more subscribers than I ever see comments, but I think just knowing people subscribed means they like reading what I have to say. But I am not teaching like you are, so I think this award concept is a good idea for what YOU do. You need to know if what you post is helping people (if that is your goal...it is YOUR blog, remember?)

Maybe you could have an occasional Ask Marianne series and get specific feedback that way.

I think this is a lovely idea. I have some really loyal commenters so I think I may borrow this award. HugsHeatherPS I don`t have copics but I do enjoy reading about them. Also, the award is absolutely beautiful. Well done.

Thanks, Marianne! I love this idea - I'm one of your many subscribers that rarely comments. As a blog owner, myself, I do know how much fun getting comments is, so I vow to do better in the future. Thanks for the blinkie. I'll definitely be passing this along to my best commenters!!

Sorry that I don't leave more comments! I love your tutorials! However, I do pass your blog addy on to anyone with a Copic question-frequently! This contributes to your blog hit success so I DO care! And whenever i pass on my top 10 blogs list to anyone new to blogging, you are always in that list. You alone have started me on a lifelong colouring adventure of pure fun!

When I first purchased Copics, I didn't like them but thanks to Sandy Hulsart, and through her to YOU, I have become an avid fan. I, too, study your blogs endlessly for they hold a wealth of coloring lessons on light, shadow, reflections - all the things that make the difference between just slapping on color and true dimension. Just know that by subscribing to your wonderful blog I learn more with each posting. Thank you so very much for the brilliant tutorials you share. I am grateful indeed. Marcia T.

I too must admit to being a *lurker*...I get you blog in google reader and devour every word you write...then go practice! I have gotten so much better because of your teaching through this fabulous blog...and not just at colouring with Copics, but with all mediums.So thanks a million for all the work you put into it....and I promise that from now on I will tell you when I've found something useful...oh, that'd be ALL THE TIME :)

Hi Marianne!You know how I feel about your work and how I study each entry in your blog. I havent' commented too much as I think you probably don't have the time to read them! Oops! I guess I was wrong and I appologize!'Love the blinkie you have made and if I may I would like to borrow it also.Holding my breath until you come to Vancouver or Vancouver Island to take your class.

NO WAY?! WOW-WEE!!! Thanks so much Marianne. You are the coolest indeed! I've learned so much from you and I feel blessed that I actually got to meet you last month. What an honor to accept your award! You made my day! By the way, it' nice to have you tutorials online. I always go back and reread them to reinforce learning your techniques and the icicles post is over the top!

This is such a nice idea. I have had you on my sidebar for a long, long time and read your blog regularly. I sometimes think that I am not "worthy" of commenting on the blog of a real artist, but if you say so... anyway, thanks again for such a great blog and such wonderful tutorials.

I have just come across your blog through blog hopping. I believe you designed your new award pic yourself, wow, how talented! And what a clever idea. I can't draw to save my life, I think that's why I like card making so much..I can be creative without having to draw!

I do love reading your newsletters and your blog. I have not bought a lot of copic markers yet, but since I used to do oils and acrylics, I thought my next big step would be to use the copic markers to start coloring my images. Please continue to post your wonderful tutorials!There is no one here in my area who does much with the markers. I am trying to get something going in a local stamp store, but we've even had trouble getting the markers in when ordered!!

About Me

I am the North American Product Director for Copic Markers, working at Imagination International, Inc. I have written 4 books on coloring with Copics in conjunction with Colleen Schaan. I used to design stamps for Our Craft Lounge. The things I post on this blog are my personal opinions or techniques I have come across over the years- I will try to give credit where credit is due. These ramblings do not necessarily reflect the general opinions of Copic Markers/Imagination International Inc.
my direct e-mail is marianne@copicmarker.com

Subscribe to my blog!

Copic Glossary

ABS/Airbrush System- Copic Airbrush System. Works with either a compressor or Copic aircans. Uses either Sketch or Copic Markers. 1234TroubleshootingAlcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, but they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Color Saturation- This is the first digit on a color name. Colors that are 00's, 10's, or 20's will be more vibrant (B05, G16, R29), while colors that are in the 70's, 80's or 90's have more gray added (B95, BG78, G94) and are closer to the neutral/earthy end of the color spectrum. Note: E (Earth) markers don't necessarily follow this rule.

Color Group- A sequential group of colors within one color family with the same first digit (i.e. E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E37, E39) where numbers ending in 0 are the lightest and 9 is the darkest, also called Natural Blending Group

Copic Certification- These are classes for teachers, store owners, or designers who want to learn techniques and advanced tips on using Copic markers, Airbrushing, etc. for papercrafting. Each class is about 7 hrs, and will be held regionally. Check here for listings of upcoming classes.

Spica Glitter Pens - also called atyou Spica pens. These fun, pigment based pens are filled with micro glass flakes, giving a very subtle, elegant sparkle. Keep stored flat, though if they are giving you troubles, try storing them point down overnite.

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 322 colors available, empty bottle for mixing custom colors also available. Great for making alcohol ink effects, such as Faux Stone or covering large areas. When you see streaking in your work it's time to refill. You can refill directly from your bottle of ink, or you can use a booster needle. Try not to overfill.For refilling dry markers:Ciao- add 1 to 1.5 cc's ink Sketch- 2 cc's Copic 2-3 cc's Wide 3-4 cc's

Using this site for Classes

The content from each post is intended as tutorials and directions as well as useful information. If you would like to use these tutorials in a workshop you are more than welcome to, just give credit to this blog site and other suppliers mentioned in each post.

Thank You!

Marianne

Color Disclaimer

Colors on the screen do not match colors printed in color charts, and neither will match the marker colors in real life. To get a feel of what the colors will look like it's best if you get an actual color swatch.

To request a printed color chart, general catalog, Stamping with Copic Brochure, or Airbrushing with Copic Brochure you can e-mail orders@copicmarker.com (remember, printed charts aren't accurate)

Save a tree, get it digital!For digital copies of the above brochures please look through the Copic Library. Don't see what you need? e-mail me at marianne@copicmarker.com

Check the library also for refilling guides, airbrushing set-ups, and other useful literature.

Copic Fine Art Instructors

Click here to purchase your favorite Copic Products

Books by Marianne Walker

Shadows & Shading: A beginner's guide to lighting placementThis book is for teaching you where to accurately put shadows and highlights when coloring with any medium. Includes clear lighting guides to help you plan where to place your shadows & highlights. Distributed by Copic/Imagination International, Inc.

Copic Coloring GuideWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is a beginner book for those interested in papercrafting and learning basic techniques for using Copic Markers. Published by Annie's Attic/DRG

Copic Coloring Guide Level 2: NatureWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is is the second in the series. Learn techniques for coloring things in nature. For papercrafters. Published by Annie's Attic/DRG

Copic Coloring Guide Level 3: PeopleWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is is the third in the series. Learn techniques for coloring people, hair, and clothing. For papercrafters. Published by Annie's Publishing

Check your local store for these books, otherwise they are available at many popular online retailers.